Iraqi parliament lifts diplomatic immunity from MP

BAGHDAD, Oct 8 (Reuters) Iraq's parliament voted today, in an unprecedented move, to remove the diplomatic immunity of a Sunni lawmaker against whom an arrest warrant for corruption has been issued.

After a tense debate, lawmakers approved the measure by 141 votes to remove diplomatic immunity from Mishaan al-Jubouri, a secular Sunni who leads a small bloc in the 275-seat parliament but never attended.

The measure could pave the way for more action against officials suspected of corruption.

Parliament speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani said he supported lifting Jubouri's immunity so he can return to parliament if found innocent and can face justice if found guilty.

''There should be no barrier in front of the Iraqi people and we should be able to even bring the president to justice,'' he said to loud applause from legislators.

REUTERS PB BS1604